Lock Your Cars Overnight, Strongsville Police Warn After Thefts

STRONGSVILLE, OH — Thieves stole items from multiple cars in Strongsville on Monday night, before actually stealing one of the cars.

"We took multiple reports for items stolen from unlocked vehicles last night. We also had a vehicle stolen that was left unlocked with the keys inside," Strongsville police said.

None of the targeted cars were locked, police added. "Please lock up your cars to avoid becoming a victim!"

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Last fall, Cleveland's western suburbs saw a swift uptick in thefts from unlocked cars and then, eventually, thefts of cars themselves.

Residents can follow simple, commonsense tactics to protect themselves, police said:

• Park your car in a garage, if you can
• Lock your car overnight
• Don't keep car keys inside your car
• Don't keep valuables inside your car
• Contact police if you see someone suspicious in your neighborhood, particularly if they're prowling around between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m